contemplate Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
- contemplate one's navel
verb consider as a possibility
- I contemplated leaving school and taking a full-time job
verb think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes
study; meditate.
- He is meditating in his study
verb reflect deeply on a subject
ponder; ruminate; mull; muse; think over; reflect; meditate; chew over; mull over; excogitate; speculate.
- I mulled over the events of the afternoon
- philosophers have speculated on the question of God for thousands of years
- The scientist must stop to observe and start to excogitate

L. contemplatus, p.p. of contemplari to contemplate; con- + templum a space for observation marked out by the augur. See Temple.

imperfect & past participle Contemplated present participle & verbal noun Contemplating

To look at on all sides or in all its bearings; to view or consider with continued attention; to regard with deliberate care; to meditate on; to study.
To love, at least contemplate and admire, What I see excellent. Milton.

We thus dilate Our spirits to the size of that they contemplate. Byron.
To consider or have in view, as contingent or probable; to look forward to; to purpose; to intend.
There remain some particulars to complete the information contemplated by those resolutions. A. Hamilton.

If a treaty contains any stipulations which contemplate a state of future war. Kent.
Syn. -- To view; behold; study; ponder; muse; meditate on; reflect on; consider; intend; design; plan; propose; purpose. See Meditate.

To consider or think studiously; to ponder; to reflect; to muse; to meditate.
So many hours must I contemplate. Shak.